Hall of Famer Lava Man Being Treated for Colic
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Photo: Anne M. Eberhardt
Retired grade 1 winner Lava Man
Multiple grade 1 winner and racing Hall of Famer Lava Man is undergoing treatment at a clinic due to a bout with colic, trainer Doug O'Neill posted on his social media channels July 31.
"We know he's a tough guy but certainly would appreciate your good wishes. We will keep everyone posted on his progress," O'Neill's team posted on Lava Man's Facebook page.
Lava Man has been a stable pony with O'Neill since retiring in 2010 following a brief comeback at the end of the 2009 season. The distinctive dark bay gelding known affectionately as "Coach" among his human caretakers retired with 17 wins from 47 starts and $5,268,706 in earnings in a career where he enjoyed his best success on the West coast.
Among Lava Man's grade 1 wins were the three editions of the Hollywood Gold Cup he captured from 2005-2007. His best single season came in 2006 when he won four grade 1 races but finished seventh in that year's Breeders' Cup Classic Powered by Dodge (G1).
Claimed by the Kenly family and Jason Wood for $50,000 back in August, 2004, Lava Man went on to win seven grade 1 events and earn more money than any other claimer in history. The son of Slew City Slew was inducted into racing's Hall of Fame in 2015.